Your kitchen is a very active space and all of that activity takes place on the kitchen counter. Countertops are a vital component of any kitchen renovation, and today’s post is all about choosing the countertop that’s right for you.
Granite and Stone: The Leader in Modern Countertops
Granite is today’s most popular material for countertops. Granite countertops are incredibly durable and can be polished for a smooth, shiny finish that often visibly darkens the stone’s natural color for a striking contrast in colors. Another finish, “honing,” is a soft matte finish for granite countertops that allows the natural beauty of the stone to emerge.
Other stone materials like marble, limestone, and soapstone are also attractive choices. These stone materials are incredibly durable, but they are softer than granite and need regular sealing treatments to ensure prolonged durability and protection from use.
Solid Surface Countertops: Artistic Flare and Impact Durability
Solid surface countertops are interesting choices for homeowners that are looking for a continuous countertop that is incredibly easy to clean. Solid surface countertops can have sink basins built right into them, resulting in an easy to clean counter and sink space that is completely seamless. Chips and scratches can be buffed out easily, but these can be damaged by hot pans and cookware.
Wood Countertops: Warm and Charming, But Don’t Get It Wet
Wooden countertops are a lovely alternative to other materials, and their warm colors can complement and brighten your custom cabinetry, flooring, and the rest of your kitchen space. Water can damage wood countertops easily, though, and preventing water damage requires regular oiling.
Laminate Countertops: Highly Customizable, Even More Affordable
Laminate is a popular low-cost choice for your kitchen countertops, and can be purchased in a variety of styles and colors to match any design aesthetic. Recent advances in laminate manufacturing technology has increased the material’s scratch resistance, but hot pans are a definite no-no.
Can’t Decide On Just One? Choose A Few!
Many designers incorporate multiple countertops into their kitchen renovations to assign specific “stations” that add functionality to their kitchens. Wooden butcher block countertops are common for chopping and cooking areas, and marble is a must for your favorite baking spot.
It’s popular to use a secondary material for a kitchen island countertop, or to inset a secondary material into your primary countertops as a dedicated functioning space.
Do you have any ideas for your dream kitchen? We can help you turn those ideas into a reality. Call us today!
